What to Do After a Rideshare Crash in Austin

Rideshare transportation is one of the most popular ways to get around Austin. Every year, Uber and Lyft transport thousands of riders throughout the city. Unfortunately, not all riders reach their destinations safely. 

If you get involved in a rideshare car accident in Austin, it’s important to know what steps to take to protect your rights. The rideshare company or another party may be financially responsible for your losses, but you could unintentionally hurt your claim if you don’t take the right actions. 

Check for Injuries and Get Medical Care

Your first priority after any type of automobile accident in Austin should be your own safety. Take a moment to check yourself for signs of injury, such as pain, swelling or bleeding. Keep in mind that your adrenaline may mask pain initially. 

When it’s safe to exit the vehicle, move to a safe place out of the road, such as a sidewalk or shoulder. If you’ve been injured, seek medical care immediately. Delaying treatment can hurt your physical health, but it can also interfere with your claim. 

An insurance company may try to argue that your injuries weren’t connected to the rideshare crash, for example, if you waited too long to see a doctor. Keep copies of your medical records if you’re diagnosed with an injury.

Report the Accident

At the scene of the rideshare accident, make sure you or one of the drivers calls the police. In Texas, a motor vehicle crash must be reported to law enforcement if it causes injuries, deaths or more than $1,000 in property damage. Reporting even a minor collision, however, can protect your rights by providing you with evidence to use during your claim.

When the police arrive, give them your version of events as a passenger, witness or rideshare driver. Do not admit fault for the accident. Write down your police report number to make it easier to obtain a copy from the Austin Police Department later.

Gather Information

It’s important to try to collect certain types of evidence while you’re still at the scene of the rideshare accident. Whether you were a vehicle driver or rideshare passenger, evidence will be necessary to prove that someone else was at fault and should be held liable or financially responsible for your losses.

If you can, collect the following:

• The names and contact information of everyone involved
• The rideshare vehicle’s license plate numbers
• A picture of the rideshare driver’s license
• Rideshare information, such as a screenshot of the app
• Statements from passengers and witnesses
• Photographs of the crash scene, including vehicle damage and the roadway as a whole
• Surveillance footage from traffic cameras or dashcams
• A description of what happened in your own words (while it’s fresh in your mind)
• Your police report number

The documents and evidence you collect can become critical during a subsequent insurance investigation or legal proceeding. Once you’ve been to a hospital or medical center, request copies of your medical records, as well, to help prove your injuries.

Contact the Rideshare Company 

Report the car accident to the rideshare company as soon as possible. Both Uber and Lyft have crash reporting options on their websites, through the app or by calling the company’s customer service line. Explain that a crash occurred during your ride and provide the requested details.

A representative may contact you for further information. If this happens, be careful what you say. Keep in mind that the rideshare company will want to limit its liability for the wreck as much as possible. Stick to the truth, but don’t admit fault or provide more information than is requested.

File a Rideshare Accident Insurance Claim

Rideshare accidents in Austin aren’t the same as typical car crashes. Instead of only involving two drivers and their insurance companies, an Uber or Lyft accident also involves the rideshare company. This makes a major difference to your options for seeking a financial recovery. 

Rideshare providers are required to carry commercial insurance to pay for accidents caused by their drivers in Texas. The amounts of coverage available vary based on the phase or period of the ride:

• Period 0: if a rideshare driver is driving for personal reasons and is not logged into the app, his or her own car insurance may be used to pay for damage caused. Texas law requires $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury insurance, plus $25,000 for property damage.

• Period 1: the rideshare driver is logged onto the app but has not yet accepted a ride. The driver’s personal insurance will apply first. Then, Uber and Lyft will provide supplemental coverage up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage.

• Periods 2 and 3: the rideshare driver has accepted a new ride and is en route to pick up the passenger, or has the passenger and is traveling to their destination. Both companies offer $1 million in liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in this phase. Contingent collision and comprehensive insurance are also available, with a deductible.

Your insurance options will look different if you were a rideshare driver or another motorist compared to a rider. You may be able to use your own insurance or another driver’s personal insurance coverage to pay for your medical bills and property repairs. A third party could also be liable, such as a vehicle manufacturer or the government. You may need a lawyer to investigate the accident for you to identify all liable parties.

Consult With a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Austin

Knowing when to hire an experienced rideshare accident attorney in Austin for assistance can make all the difference to the outcome of your claim. You could benefit from hiring an attorney if you have a complicated case, such as one involving severe injuries, a liability dispute, a denied insurance claim or wrongful death. 

You may not be able to trust Uber or Lyft’s insurance company to treat you fairly or offer reasonable compensation. You can, however, count on an attorney to protect your best interests. In the aftermath of a rideshare accident in Austin, don’t hesitate to contact FVF Law Firm for a cost-free initial case review. We have over 100 years of combined legal experience.